Ash's lineup hasn't changed. He's sent the two Surskit home.

Chapter 12

Ecruteak City was a fascinating place, Ash decided. Dominated by four things, 2 towers that were once twins that reached to the sky, a museum that housed relics connected to the Legendary Pokémon associated with Ecruteak and the Pokémon gym, that was dedicated to Ghost types. The towers were what had captured Ash's thoughts though as he read up on them.

Seven hundred years two nine-tier towers were built opposite each other in Ecruteak City home to the Legendary Pokémon Lugia and Ho-oH. The towers were built to foster friendship and hope between Pokémon and people. The view from atop the towers was said to be magnificent and used to be accessible to everyone. The eastern tower was said to awaken Pokémon, while the western tower was where Pokémon were said to rest, a mirror to the locations in Hoenn, those being Mt Pyre and the Cave of Origin. However, tragedy struck a hundred and fifty years ago when the Western tower, known at the time as the Brass Tower but now known locally as the Burned Tower, was struck by a lightning bolt and set ablaze. The fire raged on for several days until a sudden downpour finally put out the blaze, but it was too late, the damage had already been done and it was burned all the way to the ground.

Three nameless Pokémon perished in the fire, but suddenly from nowhere, as the locals were picking their way through the ashes of the tower, Ho-Oh descended from the sky and resurrected them. It is unknown how she did so, but the evidence was clear when three Pokémon, power rolling off them stepped out of the ashes. The Pokémon were said to embody three powers: the lightning that struck the tower, the fire that burned it, and the rain that extinguished the fire. When the Pokémon appeared, they struck terror in those who saw them appear, believing them to be the vengeful ghosts of the Pokémon that perished. The three Pokémon, knowing their own power, fled, running like the wind off into the grassland. It wasn't until around fifty years ago that these Pokémon were given names after they appeared in Ecruteak briefly. Raikou the legend of thunder, Entei the legend of fire and Suicune the legend of water said to embody the North Winds.

The Tin Tower or Bell tower as it was now known was still standing, in the North-East part of Ecruteak City, rising hundreds of feet into the air. It was home to the four crystal bells of Ho-oH and was said to be the roost of said Legendary once upon a time. The bells had been inactive for almost a hundred and fifty years however after the sister tower was burned down and Ho-oH began her travels across the globe to search for a pure-hearted trainer. Whether that part was true Ash couldn't say, but the rumour had to have started somewhere and it had over time become fact rather than myth.

"So, are you the pure hearted trainer?" Pikachu asked curiously "after all you are allegedly the first person to see her since she resurrected the beasts."

"I don't know" Ash said "I don't particularly feel pure hearted, and given what I've done, and the people I've killed over the past four years I sincerely doubt it. I'm still amazed she gave me a Rainbow Wing to be honest."

"Does you dad still have it?" Pikachu asked.

"No actually" Ash said digging into his bag and pulling out a long thin tin and opening it up. Inside was a velvet cushion upon which sat both the Rainbow and Silver Wings. "He gave them me back as he felt I might need them. Plus, he has given up on ever getting his aura back so he said keeping them just gave him false hope, hence why he bought the tin to keep them in."

Pulling out the Rainbow wing it once again activated, glowing in a myriad of colours which reflected onto thew window before slowly dissipating and going inert.

"It does that a lot" Ash said putting it back into the tin "It's why I always kept it under the hat, as whenever it touches my skin it glows."

"Does the Silver Wing do that too?" Pikachu asked.

"Only at night" Ash said picking it out and holding it up where it just shimmered slightly "it glows as brightly as the moon. I do wonder why I was given them you know? It's another bloody mystery that ties into this pissing thing" placing the Silver Wing back into the tin he reached into his bag and pulled out the G.S Ball which pulsed every few seconds a slightly green colour. "This has been doing this ever since the incident at the shrine and I'm still no closer to knowing what it is."

"Sam still tight lipped?" Pikachu asked wryly.

"As ever" Ash replied placing it back into his bag "And Lugia was less than bloody helpful too when I asked him about it. It's maddening. Anyway, shall we go and explore? We have a few days here until Casey arrives, from there we'll fly West and continue on with our journey."

Unbeknownst to Ash the sages that guarded the Tin Tower were currently in a panic as the bells had activated for the first time in over a century and they didn't know why. Across the land six Pokémon looked up from what they were doing and faced Ecruteak before dashing off at breakneck speed, deep in the ocean a sliver arrow darted North and, on a mountaintop covered in snow a magnificent bird took wing. Home was calling them all.

Leaving the centre Ash made his way to the Tin Tower Museum, unaware of the events he'd set in motion to have a look around at the exhibits that were dedicated to the five Legendaries that were associated with Ecruteak City. Walking around he ignored the other patrons milling around as he read various pedestals that had manuscripts on them detailing accounts of the Legendary Pokémon and their activities.

"I mean," Ash said to Pikachu as he looked at a drawing that looked nothing like Lugia "surely even someone short sighted knows that looks nothing like him."

"I dunno" Pikachu said, "it seems legit to me."

"You've been hanging around Sneasel too long" Ash remarked snorting as they moved on when someone else moved to have a look "hang on, that's us!"

"Oh yeah" Pikachu said as they stopped at another pedestal upon which lay a 'first-hand account' of what happened off the coast of Shamouti along with a rather shoddy handmade drawing of Ash.

"This is not first-hand" Ash said shaking his head as he read various parts "if it was then I'd have been interviewed for it and I haven't. What absolute bollocks, no one rode the Legendary birds and Lawrence was certainly not a hero."

"Ash keep your voice down" Pikachu said as his outburst had drawn attention.

"I know" he said "but it makes me question the validity of everything else here if this is seen as a factual piece of evidence."

"What do you mean?" a man asked from behind Ash. Turning around he saw that the man was around five foot eight, blonde hair tied back in a bandana, wearing a black top and khaki trousers.

"This" Ash said pointing to the newspaper clipping "is false. None of what's said here happened other than the oceans currents were put in jeopardy."

"And why would you say that?" another voice asked as an elderly man walked forwards "I'll have you know all of our relics are fact checked before they are displayed."

"Well, whoever did this one needs sacking" Ash said shaking his head at the man "none of what is written here is the truth, and that portrait over there looks nothing like Lord Lugia. The plumage is all wrong and he's not stripy like a Zebstrika."

"And how would you know this young man?" the elder asked looking sceptical.

"Because the person in that newspaper article is me" Ash said making people around him gasp "I was the Chosen One that year at Shamouti, I was the one that nearly died stopping that cretin Lawrence from destroying the world. The bellend captured the Kanto birds to try and capture Lord Lugia to add to his collection of Legendary Pokémon only he didn't bank on them going rogue. They destroyed his ship and then started attacking each other causing the elements to go crazy. It was only through the strength of my Pokémon and I that we managed to quell them and save Lugia. I nearly died doing so."

"Ash" Pikachu said quietly.

"I know Pi" Ash said sighing when he realised what he'd just let slip "but we nearly died that day trying to stop the birds from destroying the Orange Islands and for the world to believe Lawrence was a hero is just plain wrong. Lugia was minutes away from death, all because one prick thought Pokémon were here to be collected like trophies. I have never wanted recognition for saving the world, but this is just plain wrong."

Pushing past the two men he tried to make his way through the crowd before the first man shouted "Wait, how do we know you're not lying?"

"You don't" Ash said simply as he pulled out the tin from before "but ask yourself this question. Would Lord Lugia and Lady Ho-oH give these to someone who was deceitful?" opening the case the elder gasped in shock when he saw the two feathers. Looking up he tried to speak but failed. Ash simply closed the case and left not wanting to be anywhere near the tower. Making his way back to the centre he collapsed on his bed and sighed loudly before looking at Pikachu who simply looked back at him.

"I know" he said sighing and covering his eyes "I let too much slip today and it's going to come back to bite me on the arse."

"I'd ring your mum" Pikachu said, "let her and your dad know they're likely going to get hounded soon."

"Oh shit" he mumbled before standing up and punching his mum's number in the TV phone "Hi Mum, do you have a few minutes, I messed up badly today."

Meanwhile back in the tower Morty and the Elder quickly headed to the archive room where they frantically began looking for newspaper articles of the events at Shamouti.

"Here we are" Morty said pulling out several newspapers "I knew I recognised him. It's the current Kanto Champion Ash Ketchum."

"And according to these articles he was near Shamouti around the time of the festival" the elder said placing a newspaper down that showed Ash with Lorelei at her talk and then another of him at the Championship match a month and a half later.

"The timeline fits" Morty said looking up "and he's no reason to lie, has he? I mean what would he gain from doing so? He looked genuinely upset at the thought of people thinking Lawrence III was the hero of Shamouti."

"I cannot believe he'd lie" the Elder said "especially given the relics he has on him. Lord Lugia and Lady Ho-oH wouldn't choose just anyone as their Champion."

"What were they?" Morty asked "and what do you mean Champion?"

Instead of answering the Elder walked over to a drawer and unlocked it with a key that was on a necklace. Opening it up he pulled out a box that he placed on a desk. Curious Morty walked over and gasped when the box was opened. Inside were three items. Two feathers and a small bell, covered with a glass plate. But none of them had the shine of the ones they'd seen earlier, instead they were dull and listless. Time had clearly done a job on them.

"These were recovered from the wreck of the Burned Tower a hundred and fifty years ago" the elder said "It is one of my main roles, keeping these a secret. They belonged to Lugia and Ho-oH and were said to have been given to a single person long ago who they gave tasks to. That person was required to rule over Ecruteak in a fair and just way at the behest of the Legendary birds and for many years everything was peaceful. That was until the son of the ruler decided he didn't want to live in his father's shadow anymore. He committed the most heinous of acts."

"What did he do?" Morty asked having never heard this story before.

"I'm only telling you this because of your service to the protection of Ecruteak Morty. It's highly likely you'll be the next ruler of our clans when I pass on" the elder said looking solemn before walking over to the window. "One day the young man, under the cover of darkness rode on top of his Pidgeot and doused the top two floors of the Brass Tower with oil. He then had his Pikachu use Thunder on the tower which ignited it causing the tower to go up in flames. It was this action that caused Lord Lugias roost to burn to the ground. Sadly, that wasn't his most heinous crime. Before doing this, he drugged his father and tied him up in the basement, placing his father's Pokémon in cages at his side so he could watch them suffocate and die in the flames. The whole tower collapsed on top of them killing them. When Lugia and Ho-oH heard what he did no one could stop their vengeance. Naught but ashes remained from her just vengeance. It is said the Sacred Ash she possesses is the man's body, along with that of his Pokémon who aided him who she burned to a crisp. His name has been stricken from any records because of his vile act."

"Wow" Morty said taking it all in "and Raikou, Suicune and Entei were the reincarnation of the leaders Pokémon?"

"Indeed" he said turning to him "there's a reason the Kanto Eeveelutions are celebrated in this City."

"So how does Ash fit in here?" Morty asked.

"The relics he has are more valuable than anything within these walls" the Elder said looking out of the window which overlooked the Burned Tower "You heard the Crystal Bells ring out before. It cannot be a coincidence that Mr Ketchum walked into Ecruteak with his own set of relics and they rang out for the first time in over a century. They're proof that Ho-oH and Lugia have chosen a new Champion."

Ash had just finished telling his mother what happened and sat back waiting for the inevitable ear chewing. Strangely it didn't come.

"Ash, when was the last time you talked about the events at Shamouti?" she asked.

"I haven't" Ash said "I mean I told Nia just before my Championship match with Blue but other than that I haven't talked about it."

"Have you considered therapy Ash?" Delia asked "I know you mentioned it to Joanne before your match with Drake but did you ever speak to someone?"

"No" Ash said shaking his head "far too much happened after that match and I forgot all about it."

"Maybe you should ring Joanne and try and find someone to talk about all this to" Delia said "and I don't mean Nia, your father or me either. We're far too close to the situation to be objective Ash. You're clearly still angry with the situation, and the events at Greenfield probably brought them all back up too. Ring Joanne. Talk to her."

"Ok" Ash said nodding and sighing before looking at the time "it's around four in Kanto right?"

"It is" Delia replied "I need to go Ash, service is about to start in a few hours and we have last minute prep to do. I love you lots Ash."

"Like Jelly Tots mum" he said as he hung up and typed in Joanne's number.

"Hi Ash" she said her face coming into focus "I'm just in a meeting with Mr Suzuki at the minute, is it important?"

"I think so" Ash said "my mum told me to ring you and she wouldn't do that unless she thought it was important."

"Everything ok Ash?" Hatori said as his face joined Joanne's.

"No" he said "my mum thinks I should speak to a therapist as soon as possible. I had a blow up today because something reminded me of Shamouti and she thinks the events at Greenfield have brought the feelings back up."

"Oh, that's no problem" Hatori said as his face went away. Ash could still hear him though "Where are you calling from and where are you headed?"

"Ecruteak City" Ash replied "and we plan on being in Olivine City in just over a week depending on how quickly we can beat the gym. I also have a Pokémon to trade a young trainer and she won't be here until tomorrow night at the latest."

"Ok" he said typing on his computer "I've booked you into a session at the Whirl Hotel in Olivine City on July 4th. It'll just be one face-to-face consultation for now until you have time to do proper ones here in Kanto. His name is John and he is my own personal therapist. You'll be booked under Satoshi. I'd advise you to be open and up front about everything Ash, regardless of how weak you think you'll look. Trust me on this."

"Thanks" Ash said very grateful to have people looking out for him "Is there anything Silph requires of me by the way? I've not heard anything for a while."

"Actually yeah" Joanne said "on the 3rd July there's a bit of a shindig at the Whirl Hotel that Mr Suzuki was supposed to be going to but he's double booked. Can you go in his place?"

"Sure" Ash said "as I'll already be there, I can pop my head in. What is it for?"

"We're hoping to be able to open an office for Silph overlooking the harbour to try and get a serious foothold in Johto" Hatori said "to be honest you taking my place might make more of an impression than if I turned up. All we require of you is to be honest about what services Silph has provided for you and how we can help others."

"Oh" Ash said "that should be easy. You know, it's crazy that I've been sponsored by you guys for three years now? Time sure has flown, eh?"

"It sure has" Joanne said "anyway Ash, I'll send you an itinerary of where to go in Olivine and where you need to be as well as John's information. Thank you for this Ash."

"Thank you both" Ash said waving goodbye.

"You've really changed" Pikachu said laughing "where is the Ash Ketchum who hates functions?"

"Oh, I still hate them" Ash said chuckling "but Silph have come through for me again. I owe them this."

Hours later Ash received a call from Nurse Joy. Attaching his ball belt, he wondered what was going on so he wandered downstairs and stopped as there was a huge crowd gathered just outside the Pokémon centre. Looking at Joy she pointed outside smiling.

"I wonder what's going on Pi" he said as he left and made his way through the crowd before stopping dead. Standing there, next to the city centres fountain, looking as majestic as ever was Suicune and her daughter.

"Greetings Chosen One" she said padding over to him, her daughter staying very close, obviously not used to crowds.

"Hello again Suicune" Ash said looking curiously at her "what brings you both here?"

"We were called here" she replied looking at Tin Tower before looking back at Ash "all of us were."

"All of you?" Ash asked confused "why?"

"We do not know" Suicune said "perhaps because of you."

"What have I done?" he asked perplexed "I only arrived here last night."

"And yet the bells ring out" another deep voice said as Ash turned his head to the roofs only to step back as a huge red and brown dog landed softly, followed by another who looked exactly like it.

"Lord Entei" Ash said stiffening up and looking on cautiously.

"Yes" he replied in a deep booming voice "well met. Suicune told me what you did for her. You have mine and my brother's gratitude once more."

"It was the right thing to do" Ash said his hand brushing the empty Pokéball on his belt. "I would do the same for any Pokémon that required my aid."

"Would you now?" a third voice asked from the fountain again. Lying down, his great front legs crossed, sprawled out was Raikou and his son who was standing as tall as he could beside his father looking nervously at the crowd as if he expected them to attack.

"Yes" Ash replied matter-of-factly making Raikou swish his tail and just observe him. "Why are you all here? Isn't it a little dangerous for you all to be in one place?"

"No one would dare try anything" Entei said lying down in front of the fountain and looking around as if daring someone to contradict him "and even if they did, we have our Champion here to aid us."

"Me I'm guessing?" Ash said wondering how they'd heard he was the Kanto Champion.

"Indeed" Raikou said yawning showing off razor sharp teeth before turning to his son "you can rest easy son, you're safe here. As are you young Entei."

Warily the two young Legendaries lay down at the side of their fathers, staying silent and watching the breathless crowd.

"I meant that Suicune is still being hunted" Ash said looking at her making Entei and Raikou raise their heads and bare their teeth "surely her being here puts her in danger?"

"We will do what we must to protect our sister" Raikou said looking around cautiously.

"To the death if we must" Entei said agreeing.

"Well hopefully it will not come to that" Suicune said walking forwards to join her family.

Ash just remained silent and looked around at the crowd. Many of them were on their phones talking excitedly to their friends, some had started to take pictures of the Legendary Pokémon and others were just standing in awe at being so close to them. Spotting the two men from before he walked over to them.

"Who are you two?" he asked, "I remember you from before."

"I am Morty" Morty said "gym leader of Ecruteak City and keeper of the keys to the Burned Tower."

"I am Elder Li" the sage said bowing his head briefly "keeper of the keys to Tin Tower and protector of the relics of Ecruteak City."

"Ah" Ash said nodding before turning to Morty "I'm Ash Ketchum, pleased to meet you. I'm glad I met you before as I need your badge, so I was going to go looking for you today. Clearly you wouldn't have been in."

"No" Morty said shaking his head and looking over at the beasts who hadn't moved from their spots, looking as alert as ever "today was my day to go and make sure the bells were safe and secure and to check no one had broken into Burned Tower. Unfortunately I was unable to gain access as the Elders barred anyone from entering while the bells are ringing."

"The Crystal Bells?" Ash asked curiously "I would have liked to have seen them. Anyway, I'll be at your gym around 10am tomorrow..."

Before he could finish however a voice came from the crowd shouting the Gym Leaders name.

"Morty, Morty" the man shouted as he raced towards him wearing a sharp purple suit and a grey cape "there's two of them! Two! They passed me an hour ago on the way from Violet City! I saw them! Two of them!"

"Two of who Eusine?" Morty asked tiredly.

"Suicune of course!" Eusine said raising his hands in the air in exasperation "It's destiny my friend, destiny..." he finished as he twirled and stopped dead at the sight of the six Legendary beasts glaring in his direction, the three adults getting to their feet "to catch her" he finished slowly before cautiously walking forwards. His interactions with the Legendary beasts had never been great and for some reason the last two times he had tried to catch her the ball simply bounced off her flank and lay inert. But here was a golden opportunity to finally catch a Suicune. Keeping them all in sight he slowly grabbed a Pokéball and released an Alakazam.

"Suicune, I may not be able to catch you for some reason, but I will get what I deserve. I will catch a Suicune! Alakazam, Psychic."

Ash hadn't been idle. As soon as he heard the name Eusine he whispered to Pikachu to make his way behind the beasts as quickly and as quietly as possible and protect Suicune from whatever the man was bound to try. And sure enough less than a minute later he did try something. The beasts had been very wary of the man, used to his arrogant ways so they expected him to try and attack. What they didn't expect though was for a huge bolt of lightning to streak from behind the fountain, over the younger Suicunes back and hit the Alakazam before it could attack causing to cry out in agony as electricity coursed through its body.

"What?" Eusine shouted twisting around looking for whatever attacked his Pokémon only to look on in shock as a shiny Pikachu jumped over Suicune and landed in front of her, sparking warningly as it stalked forwards, its eyes never leaving the stricken psychic type. "How dare you attack my Pokémon! You will not keep me from my destiny! Electrode, Haunter, Hypno…attack!" releasing the three other Pokémon they quickly closed in on Pikachu's position. Eusine turned around again when he heard a voice say "Agility Pi then Volt Tackle" and saw a huge man glaring at him before hearing explosions behind him. Turning around he looked on in disbelief as his three Pokémon had been sent flying in different directions by the small mouse Pokémon who continued to spark looking at Alakazam who was just getting to its feet.

"Finish it" Ash commanded as Pikachu gathered his power that was swirling around him and jumped into the air before doing a forward somersault and sending a huge Electro Ball at Alakazam who couldn't get out of the way in time and was blasted into the side of a building where it lay knocked out.

The beasts looked on in shock at the sheer power that was rolling off the tiny mouse. Suicune was wary as she was very weak to Pikachu's element and the stray sparks that were lashing the ground concerned her for her daughters safety, Entei looked on impassively but wondered how much of a fight it could put up against him, but it was Raikou who stood up and padded forwards a few steps looking curious.

"Why?" Eusine asked in shock as he turned to Ash "what the hell have you done? Why did you attack my Pokémon?"

"You attacked mine first!" Ash said stalking forwards until he was five feet away from him making Eusing shrink back. Eusine was over six foot himself, so he wasn't small but the authority and size of the man in front of him made him feel tiny.

"No, I didn't" he managed to stutter out returning his knocked-out Pokémon.

Ash simply raised a Pokéball and pointed it in the direction of Pikachu. The crowd and Eusine looked on in shock though as the beam went straight over Pikachus head and hit the smaller Suicune who dissolved in a flash of red and went into the ball Ash held.

"You!" Eusine spluttered out "How, when, why?" falling to his knees he looked over to where the beasts were and shook his head in disbelief. All of his plans, every idea he had, every move he made had been with one thing in mind and now they had all gone up in smoke as a man who beat him without breaking a sweat had also beaten him to capturing his greatest desire.

"I'm going to say this only once" Ash said making Eusine look up "this goes for everyone who's listening in too. If I get word that anyone, and I mean ANYONE captures a Legendary Pokémon, without their permission or blessing I will hunt you down. They are off limits. The only reason I captured Suicune is because her mother asked me to because this nobhead thought it was his divine right to harass the legendary beasts of Johto. Have you any idea the damage you have caused over the last few years? Because of you there are sections of Johto that Entei and Raikou have not been able to look after because they've been far too busy trying to keep you from capturing their sister. You are the reason more of them had to be created, so their job could get done! You are an utter moron! Legendary Pokémon have a vital role in this world, they are incredibly important to keeping the balance and if just one is captured that balance could be irreparably harmed." turning to Li and Morty he continued "that is exactly what Lawrence III did. He captured the Kanto birds, the Lords and Ladies of their species and in doing so disrupted the beast of the Sea, the ocean current in the Orange Islands that supplies the currents across the globe. If he had succeeded there would have been a catastrophic climate shift that would have killed millions of people and Pokémon alike. It took Lord Lugia even with his considerable power a whole year to be able to bring balance back to the seas and even now there's still areas that need to be brought back into harmony because one man thought it was his divine right to do what he pleased."

Releasing Suicune from her ball he petted her on her face and whispered something no one could hear. Padding back to her mother she nuzzled her and rested against her without looking at her own brothers.

"Well said Chosen One" a familiar voice said from above making everyone look up and gasp in awe as perched on top of the Pokémon centre was Lord Lugia, observing them all keenly. "It seems I arrived at the correct time for once." looking over at the Beasts he said, "I will meet you in the tower."

Nodding they all got to their feet and padded off, leaping over the houses as they disappeared behind the tree line. Lord Raikou however hadn't moved. Instead, he stayed, watching Pikachu keenly who gazed back at him impassively.

"Go Raikou" Lugia said bringing Raikou out of whatever trance he was in. Giving Pikachu one last look he nodded before following his family. Turning to Morty and Li he continued "tomorrow, bring the Chosen one to the summit of Tin Tower as the sun reaches its apex." lifting off in one huge wingbeat Lugia banked and headed over the trees and disappeared from sight leaving the townsfolk of Ecruteak to chatter excitedly. Ash ignored a silent Eusine and said to Morty "I'll meet you at the tower at 11:30. Have a good night gentlemen. Come on Pi, it's teatime."

Pikachu nodded and raced up to Ash and leaped onto his shoulder as he walked away, the crowd parting as they let the mysterious man through. Heading to his room Ash didn't let his demeanour change until he had shut the door to his room where he let out a huge sigh and collapsed against the door, resting his head against it. "Why is nothing ever simple?"

The next day Ash awoke to several messages on his phone, all of them telling him to switch on the news. Confused Ash did as asked and sat in shock as the headline was about him! Someone had evidently videoed his interaction with the beasts, along with his demolition of Eusine and warning afterwards and sent it to the local news centre where it had gone viral. Now every single news outlet in Johto had seemingly sent reporters to Ecruteak.

"Oh, for Arceus' sake" Ash said running his hands down his face "why me?"

"Because you're an idiot" Pikachu said "we discussed this the other day. Something has happened to you Ash since Greenfield, you don't seem to have a filter anymore and while some may think you're acting rashly we know you're not. You're far more decisive with situations but you are doing things that will bring the spotlight onto you and therefore us. What's going on?"

"I think it has something to do with whatever happened in Ilex Forest" Ash said after a few minutes of silence "whatever happened that day has left me thinking about things I've never thought about before. But it's also given me greater clarity on situations too. The only way I can describe it is the world is passing by at twice the speed but I'm able to slow down time to be able to react much faster. It's like I can see parts of the future, so I know how to react. I dunno Pi, I can't really explain it better than that. While I know what I've done lately will have consequences I also know they were the right things to do."

"I suppose we'll find out won't we?" Pikachu asked, "so what's the plan for today?"

"Find out what Lugia wants with us then go beat Morty in the gym" Ash said, "I believe Casey should be here tonight too so as soon as we're done with her, we'll leave for Olivine City, hopefully getting there in a few days."

"Did you get a response yet?" Pikachu asked.

"I dunno" Ash said picking up his phone and looking through his emails "Oh yeah, I did. It's been sorted. I just need to ring up. I'll do that now."

Typing in the number he rang and it was picked up shortly, only not by who he was trying to ring.

"Hello?"

"Zoe?" Ash asked surprised when her face appeared "why do you have Gary's phone?"

"Oh, he came to visit this morning" she replied looking nervous.

"To my house?" Ash asked seeing a familiar clock in the background.

"Yes" she said quietly as her face turned bright red.

"I'm sure" Ash replied, "can you put Gary on?"

"Sure" she said putting the phone down and rushing off. Ash turned to Pikachu who just shook his head. A minute later a flustered looking Gary answered the phone "Hey Ashy Boy, what can I do for you?"

"First of all, if you hurt her, I will kill you" Ash said making Gary grimace "I've suspected for a while Gary so don't bother denying it. Anyway, I rang to get that Pokémon from you. Casey should be here tomorrow, and I need to be in Olivine in just over a weeks' time."

"First of all," Gary replied resolutely "It's none of your business, secondly, I would never hurt her intentionally so pack it in with the big brother crap. It won't work on me. Just because you won't make a move doesn't mean we're all Slowpokes."

"I can still kick your arse Gary" Ash said, "and for your information Nia and I started dating last week."

Ash had to move the phone away as he heard a huge shout of "WHAT?" from behind Gary as Zoe grabbed the phone from him.

"Since when?" she asked looking surprised.

"I've just said" Ash replied "last week. Anyway, ask Nia, she's your best friend after all."

"Oh, I will do" Zoe said handing the phone back to Gary who just looked bewildered. Shrugging his shoulders he carried on talking to Ash "As I said, whatever Zoe and I do is nothing to do with you Ash so butt out."

"Fine" Ash replied gruffly as he heard Zoe shout "Nia Morgan! Explain yourself!"

"Uh oh" Gary said quickly leaving the room and picking up his Pokébelt and heading to Ash's transporter where he placed the Pokéball on it and typed in Ash's Pokédex number where it quickly disappeared. Ash's Pokédex dinged, and another ball appeared on his own belt.

"Cheers Gary" Ash said, "I owe you one."

"Yes, you do" Gary said smirking "anyway, I saw you made headlines again this morning Ashy Boy."

"Yes, apparently so" Ash replied grimacing "that prick reminded me of Lawrence, and I couldn't stop myself from telling him so. I had no idea people would film it. I woke up to thirty messages this morning ranging from 'what the hell' to 'you moron' the latter of which came from Nia."

"Ash, I know you're desensitised to these things, but do you have any idea how many people have seen a Legendary Pokémon?" Gary asked "don't answer, it was rhetorical. The answer is very few and you just happen to have seven turn up in the same place. That isn't normal Ash. And Nia is right, you need to think before you speak sometimes. You literally issued a threat to every Pokémon trainer in the world last night, me included."

"I suppose so" Ash said as he listened to what Gary was saying "I meant every word though Gary. Legendary Pokémon are off limits as they always should have been."

"Hey, you won't hear any arguments from me on that one" Gary said "trust me, when you grow up with Gramps as the main guy where Pokémon are concerned some things stick in your mind. Just be careful as some people are stupid enough to take that threat as a challenge."

"I know" Ash said as he looked at the TV where his own face was on screen as they replayed last night's events "Pikachu just said the same thing. Anyway I need to go. Gary, just look after her yeah? She's been through hell, and I really don't want to have to explain to Aunt Laura why I broke your face."

"We're taking it a day at a time Ash" Gary said "we're not actually dating just yet but hopefully sometime in the future we will. Don't forget I'm only 15 and she's nearly 20 so it's unlikely to work out but we'll see how it goes. Smell you later Ash."

"I really hate that phrase" Ash said to the blank screen before getting ready for the day. At 11 Ash left the safety of his room and made his way downstairs, where after a brief conversation with Nurse Joy he left and was immediately swarmed with reporters. On instinct he conjured an aura bubble around him, the reporters bouncing off him as he made his way to Tin Tower where he reached the safety of the museum, shaking his head at the ridiculousness of the situation.

"Hello there" Elder Li said as he walked forward "It was an interesting night, last night, wasn't it?"

"That's one way of putting it" Ash said mildly as he looked around before noticing something. Wandering over to the podium that caused him grief yesterday he was shocked that it had been replaced with a photo of the Beasts from last night.

"I thought, given what was revealed last night that it would be best to remove the offending article and burn it with extreme prejudice" Elder Li said quietly standing at his side and looking down "last night was historic. While we've seen the beasts in passing many times over the last century, we have never seen them together in one place. And for Lord Lugia to appear is unprecedented. I admit to being quietly envious of you Ash. Come, I have something to show you."

Curious Ash followed Elder Li and walked into the back where he saw Morty sitting having a cup of tea. Glancing at him he took the proffered seat before noticing on the table was a box.

"My role at this tower is reaching its end" Elder Li said "I always knew that I would never live to see my lord and lady appear in their old homes, because my predecessors have never done so either. So, to see one appear has been an interesting experience. I feel equal measures of humbleness and awe."

"One of my friends had to remind me this morning that seeing Legendaries is usually a once in a lifetime thing" Ash said after processing what was just said "in my four years of being a trainer I have seen all of them from Kanto and Johto, three from Hoenn and a few from Sinnoh too. How many did we say it was Pi?"

"Around 18 altogether." Pikachu said. "Not counting Unown."

"18" Ash said translating for them making them shake their heads in disbelief. "It's actually been more as we've seen multiple of some of them like the birds, the beasts and Mew but we'll leave it at 18."

"You are extraordinarily blessed" Morty said after a few moments.

"I don't think so" Ash said shaking his head "other than a rare encounter every time we've seen one there's been a high chance my life is on the line at the same time." Rubbing his chest where the lightning bolt was located he continued "the previous Lord Zapdos sacrificed his life to reanimate me a few years ago so my interactions with them haven't been fantastic."

"And yet you still fight for them" Li commented "you still advocate for them not only being in this world but to be free to play their vital roles, balancing the world as they do."

"Of course" Ash said as if stating the obvious "because I've seen what happens first hand when that balance is disturbed or broken. People die because of it. Legendary Pokémon don't interact with the human world unless they absolutely have to so for Suicune to ask me to capture her daughter to protect her speaks volumes."

"I have repeatedly told Eusine to give up chasing Suicune" Morty said shaking his head "he's never listened to me, but I think last night broke him. To lose to you so easily and then find out you own Suicune left him a broken man."

"I don't own any of my Pokémon" Ash said refuting the statement "we belong to each other, but Suicune is different. I am simply her Pokéball holder until she's strong enough to look after herself. At that time, she'll search for me, and I'll release her."

"Not many people would release such a strong Pokémon" Li said.

"I already have strong Pokémon" Ash replied patting Pikachu on the head "You saw what Pikachu can do last night, my Blastoise could easily match the adult Suicune for power, Charizard and Pikachu beat Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno at Shamouti and that was over a year ago now and they've only improved. There are also stronger trainers than me out there too who could do the same yet choose not to because they know the consequences of keeping one and training your own Pokémon to match that level can be done. Blue's Blastoise outstrips mine in power, Lance's Dragonite is stronger than my Charizard only don't tell him I said that and Cynthias Garchomp is an absolute monster so it can be done if you apply yourself."

"You're not exactly filling me with confidence for our battle" Morty said laughing.

"Oh, I'll go easy on you" Ash said smirking "anyway what's in the box?"

"Something very few have ever seen" Li said taking out his key again and opening it up to gasps from Pikachu and Ash.

"Are they what I think they are?" he asked taking a closer look.

"If you mean a Silver and Rainbow Wing then yes." Li said as he placed the lid down "they have lost some of their majesty in the last 150 years but nether-the-less they still have a draw to them don't they."

Taking the tin out of his own bag he opened it up and placed his own over the glass panel where the wings started to glow, the ones under the glass doing the same. "Well, they certainly recognise each other" Ash said picking up his wings and returning them to the tin as the others dulled again. "what's the bell?"

"That is known as a Soothe Bell" Li said "it belonged to the ruler of Ecruteak, gifted to him by Lady Ho-oH and Lord Lugia to aid him with his tasks that they set him. it was found alongside his body when the tower burned down."

"Strange isn't it" Ash remarked "that 150 years later Tin Tower is still standing where the Brass Tower isn't. That can't have been the only lightning storm to have happened over Ecruteak in that time yet Tin Tower remains untouched."

"It is strange" Li said nodding "perhaps it was meant to happen, we will likely never know how one burned and the other didn't. Anyway, Lord Lugia instructed me to bring you to see him at noon and its ten off now. Shall we?"

Nodding Ash rose and shouldered his backpack and followed out of the back of the room and out to a tree covered path that winded left and opened up to the base of a huge tower that reached beyond the clouds. Walking in they saw that two other people dressed in similar clothing to Li were standing next to a doorway.

"Greetings Marcus, Blake" Li said nodding his head at them who bowed back "Lord Lugia has summed the Chosen One for a meeting at the summit of Tin Tower."

"Very well" Blake said taking out a key, Marcus doing the same and they both placed their keys in separate locks on a huge wooden door. Taking the locks off they stepped back as the door swung inwards.

Following Li Ash made his way through the doorway and began to ascend up several flights of stairs. Ash could hear bells ringing up above him and after the fourth flight Ash whispered to Pikachu "you can't do this job if you're unfit can you?"

"Indeed, you cannot" Li said his voice full of mirth as he overheard.

As they walked up another set of stairs the elder stopped as he looked at one of the bells that was swaying from side to side.

"The Crystal Bells have been a part of this tower since it was built, they are said to only ring out when Lady Ho-oH is about to return. However, they possibly ring for Lord Lugia too given he's the one who has come back to Ecruteak."

Ash passed by it trying to get a good look but the bell was protected by a glass wall that ringed around the floor preventing access, if someone did access it they would likely fall fifty feet to their deaths as there was no floor underneath it. Walking up more stairs Ash saw the same layout for the next three floors. It was as they reached the final floor that Li stopped in front of a trapdoor.

"We have not been summoned" Li said to Ash "you must proceed but do so carefully. The final floor is the very summit of Tin Tower and is an open space with only guard rails to keep you up there. Exercise caution at all times."

"I'll meet you on the ground floor" Ash said, "I'll fly down on Salamence. Thank you for your assistance."

Nodding to them both Ash climbed up the ladder and opened the trap door where the wind whistled violently above his head as he proceeded through the hole. Morty and Li took a step back as the wind whistled in the hole before it abruptly stopped as the trap door shut.

"Well" Morty said "back down we go." Li nodded and they made the descent in companiable silence, as they often did when they did their checks.

Ash heard the door slam shut and looked around him as the top of the tower was easily thirty feet across. It would take some going to fall off he pondered as the rails were about four feet around the entire top. As he walked forwards, he saw that on either side of the middle were two statues facing each other, one depicting Ho-oH in a pose as if she was about to take off and Lugia the same.

"At least they look like them" Pi commented making Ash laugh.

"Indeed, they do" A voice said from across the Platform as Lugia landed and observed him "It's been a while Chosen One, we have much to talk about."

"Do we?" Ash asked looking around "just us two?"

"For now" Lugia said "we will be joined soon but I have much to tell you."

A short while later Ash shook his head in disbelief at what he'd been told "how do you know this?"

"Something happened recently which affected us all" Lugia said "I have spoken with many of my brethren and every single one of us has the same issue. It's as if a corner of our minds has been blocked off to something extremely important. Now some of us don't believe it to be a great issue where others, myself included are deeply concerned. As a Psychic type anything that affects my ability to control my powers at all times is a cause for concern."

"It's Arceus" Ash said firmly earning a snort from Pikachu "I'm aware you don't believe me Pi but trust me there's a reason that I am the size I am now and able to wield aura the way I do. When you get your memory back of her, believe me you'll understand.

Lugia, what most people and Pokémon think they know as the All Maker is actually Arceus, the God Pokémon. She is the creator of everything and everyone we see around us, but something has happened to her that has made everyone forget about her and I have no idea why. I know it's difficult to understand but it's the truth."

"I have a creator?" Lugia asked aloud "that is most disconcerting that the knowledge has been kept from me. And you say something happened to block my knowledge of her?"

"Yes" Ash said, "we were in Ilex forest around three weeks ago when I activated the shrine with this." Lifting the G.S Ball out Lugia nodded at it, recalling the last time Ash asked about it "It fit perfectly on top of the shrine, and I was knocked out when a wave of aura passed through me and seemingly continued on around the entire globe."

"I remember that" Lugia said nodding "I felt it even under water. And the ball was important?"

"Yes" Ash said holding it up "It's been pulsing for the last few weeks off and on and I've no idea why."

Peering closely at it Lugia mumbled "I wonder why Celebi's scent is all over this."

"Celebi?" Ash asked confused "I've met her before, but she hasn't said anything about this."

"And she wouldn't" Lugia said looking up to the sky ponderingly "she deals with time travel and knows everything the future holds. She never arrives anywhere at the incorrect time, so my guess is that she will appear before you precisely when she needs to."

Before Ash could retort a huge amount of aura was felt above him, getting closer and closer before out of the clouds a beautiful set of wings appeared followed by a long red neck. Ash had been in the presence of many Legendaries over the last four years, but it was always the meeting with Ho-oH that he went back to as the most awe inspiring. She was utterly majestic, and her plumage was as beautiful as ever. Landing gently, she observed Ash and Lugia before bowing her magnificent head.

"Greetings brother and Chosen One" Ho-oH said "It has been a long time since I last saw you, but you have certainly grown into your role. It has been most enjoyable has it not? I hope my gift has served you well."

"Hello Ho-oH" Ash said bowing his head to her "enjoyable wasn't the word I'd use but it has been memorable."

"Ah" she said sagely "perhaps your exploits have been rather dangerous, but you have nether-the-less come through them, perhaps wounded but very much wiser."

"You can say that again" Ash said laughing "and yes, your gift has been a great help to me over the years. I never had the chance to thank you before so I shall do so now. Thank you."

"Oh, it was my pleasure" Ho-oH said "what brings you here dear brother?"

"The bells dear sister" Lugia replied "they started ringing again."

"Yes" she said looking at Ash "for good reason. I have need of your assistance Chosen One."

"What can I do to help?" Ash asked.

"I have just been to visit the youngest of us at his home and he seemed particularly irritated that something tried to affect his memories" Ho-oH said "apparently it took his entire focus from preventing it from doing so but non-the-less he succeeded. What he was more annoyed about though was that I couldn't understand what he was talking about, he thought I was playing games with him."

"He remembers Arceus?" Ash asked taking a step forwards.

"Indeed" Ho-oH replied "whereas I do not. Now, I have no reason to disbelieve either of you, Mewtwo certainly has no reason to lie to me either and Lugia and I have a peculiar trait where we know when someone is being deceitful to us, so we know he's telling us the truth. What do you know of this Arceus?"

After a brief explanation Ho-oH looked to the skies as if trying to gain inspiration "this is most concerning. If there is indeed an All Maker then why can we not remember her yet you and Mewtwo can. But more to the point what has happened to her for us to forget her?"

"I'm not sure" Ash said "everything I've written has remained except only I am able to read her name. When I read it aloud though people and Pokémon seem to forget rather quickly."

"That is even more worrying" Lugia said "I don't like my mind being played with and whatever has blocked our memories has to be incredibly powerful."

"Indeed" Ho-oH said "so Chosen One, our task to you is to find out what you can about whatever has happened."

"I'll try my best" Ash said "but if it is Arceus that has done this then no one has the power to reverse it other than her. And if she's not around to do so then it's an impossible task you've set me."

"We're aware" Ho-oH said nodding at his explanation "all we ask is that you do your best."

"It seems sister that our other sister is meddling too" Lugia said "when our memories were wiped Ash was at her shrine. It seems that was the centre of the aura wave a few weeks ago."

"Is that so?" she asked curiously "I shall have to be having words with her, she does this far too often for my liking. How do you know this?"

"Because of this" Ash said holding up the GS Ball. Surprisingly Ho-oH recoiled away from it.

"Where did you get that?" she asked alarmed.

"I was sent to get it by my sponsor a few years ago. Apparently, it washed up on the shores of Valencia Island and the local professor didn't know what to do with it and called my sponsor who sent me in his stead. Sam knows what this is but refuses to tell me, claiming he has rules he must abide by. Why?"

"That thing was created to be a trap for Legendary Pokémon a long time ago" Ho-oH said taking a further step back "We were seen a lot more back then as we were revered as Gods to the people of Pokélantis. We were quite giving back then of our time too and didn't realise what fools we were. The king of Pokélantis however wanted to control us and thought it was his divine right to do so. The creators used several relics that belonged to Lugia, myself and Celebi to create it and several times it tried to trap me, but I always managed to escape, the last time though I let my rage take hold of me and the city was destroyed. I hoped this would be too but clearly not."

"So why would Sam know about this?" Ash wondered aloud before placing it back into his bag to the obvious relief of Ho-oH.

"I do not know" Ho-oH replied "but it can be nothing good."